A leaked undercover video has placed the Washington Nationals under scrutiny after a former team employee allegedly suggested a player was excluded from social media promotions because of his religious views.
According to the New York Post, the controversy erupted after journalist James O’Keefe shared footage and transcripts he said featured Sean Hudson, the Nationals’ former director of community relations, discussing pitcher Trevor Williams and the organization’s approach to promoting him online.
According to O’Keefe, Hudson was dismissed from his position on Friday.
In material posted to X, Hudson allegedly described Williams by referencing his faith.
“One of our pitchers, Trevor Williams. He’s super Christian-Catholic, all these tattoos that mean a lot,” the transcript shared by O’Keefe states.
The video also reportedly included comments about Williams’ public criticism of a 2023 event hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers during the team’s Pride Night celebrations.
That event featured The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBTQ+ organization whose members dress as nuns and include queer and transgender participants.
According to the transcript released by O’Keefe, Hudson referenced Williams’ reaction to the event.
“He [Trevor Williams] went on social media like… ‘This is my religion. You all are mocking it,’” Hudson allegedly said.
Williams was among several players around Major League Baseball who publicly objected to the Dodgers’ decision to honor the group.
On its website, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence states, “We believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty.”
The issue resurfaced in 2025 when Williams was again asked about the controversy.
“It becomes absurd,” Williams said. “If this is gonna continue to happen, what are we doing?”
The leaked video has now sparked calls for further scrutiny.
According to Fox News, Rep. Lauren Boebert has urged federal officials to investigate whether the Nationals engaged in religious discrimination.
Boebert specifically called on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon to review the allegations.
“I urged the DOJ to take immediate and decisive action,” Boebert said, according to Fox News.
The allegations have fueled debate online over whether Williams’ religious beliefs influenced how the organization promoted him publicly.
Neither the leaked footage nor the statements cited in reports have resulted in any announced findings by federal authorities.
The controversy, nevertheless, has placed fresh attention on the Nationals’ media operations and their treatment of one of the club’s most outspoken players.
